First Philippine Republic
Readings in Philippine
History (CRPH)
Reviewer for FINALS
AGRARIAN REFORM HISTORY
Pre-Spanish Period
“This land is Ours God gave this land to us”
Before the Spaniards came to the Philippines,
Filipinos lived in villages or barangays ruled by
chiefs or datus. The datus comprised the nobility.
Then came the maharlikas (freemen), followed by
the aliping mamamahay (serfs) and aliping
saguiguilid (slaves).
However, despite the existence of different classes
in the social structure, practically everyone had
access to the fruits of the soil. Money was
unknown, and rice served as the medium of
exchange.
Spanish Period
“United we stand, divided we fall”
When the Spaniards came to the Philippines, the
concept of encomienda (Royal Land Grants) was
introduced. This system grants that Encomienderos
must defend his encomienda from external attack,
maintain peace and order within, and support the
missionaries. In turn, the encomienderos acquired
the right to collect tribute from the indios (native).
The system, however, degenerated into abuse of
power by the encomienderos The tribute soon
became land rents to a few powerful landlords. And
the natives who once cultivated the lands in
freedom were transformed into mere share tenants.
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“The yoke has finally broken”
When the First Philippine Republic was established
in 1899, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared in the
Malolos Constitution his intention to confiscate
large estates, especially the so-called Friar lands.
However, as the Republic was short-lived,
Aguinaldo’s plan was never implemented.
American Period
“Long live America”
Significant legislation enacted during the American
Period:
● Philippine Bill of 1902 – Set the ceilings on
the hectares of private individuals and
corporations may acquire: 16 has. for
private individuals and 1,024 has. for
corporations.
● Land Registration Act of 1902 (Act No.
496) – Provided for a comprehensive
registration of land titles under the Torrens
system.
● The Public Land Act of 1903 – introduced
the homestead system in the Philippines.
● Tenancy Act of 1933 (Act No. 4054 and
4113) – regulated relationships between
landowners and tenants of rice (50-50
sharing) and sugar cane lands.
The Torrens system, which the Americans instituted
for the registration of lands, did not solve the
problem completely. Either they were not aware of
the law or if they did, they could not pay the survey
cost and other fees required in applying for a
Torrens title.
Commonwealth Period
“Government for the Filipinos”
President Manuel L. Quezon espoused the
"Social Justice" program to arrest the increasing
social unrest in Central Luzon.
Significant legislation enacted during
Commonwealth Period:
● 1935 Constitution – "The promotion of
social justice to ensure the well-being and
economic security of all people should be
the concern of the State"
● Commonwealth Act No. 178 (An
Amendment to Rice Tenancy Act No.
4045), Nov. 13, 1936 – Provided for certain
controls in the landlord-tenant relationships
● National Rice and Corn Corporation
(NARIC), 1936 – Established the price of
rice and corn thereby helping the poor
tenants as well as consumers.
● Commonwealth Act. No. 461, 1937 –
Specified reasons for the dismissal of
tenants and only with the approval of the
Tenancy Division of the Department of
Justice.
● Rural Program Administration, created
March 2, 1939 – Provided the purchase and
lease of haciendas and their sale and lease
to the tenants.
Commonwealth Act No. 441 enacted on
June 3, 1939 – Created the National
Settlement Administration with a capital
stock of P20,000,000.
Japanese Occupation
“The Era of Hukbalahap”
The Second World War II started in Europe in 1939
and in the Pacific in 1941.
Hukbalahap controlled whole areas of Central
Luzon; landlords who supported the Japanese lost
their lands to peasants while those who supported
the Huks earned fixed rentals in favor of the
tenants.
Unfortunately, the end of war also signaled the end
of gains acquired by the peasants.
Upon the arrival of the Japanese in the Philippines
in 1942, peasants and workers organizations grew
in strength. Many peasants took up arms and
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identified themselves with the anti-Japanese group,
the HUKBALAHAP (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa
Hapon).
Philippine Republic
“The New Republic”
After the establishment of the Philippine
Independence in 1946, the problems of land tenure
remained. These became worse in certain areas.
Thus the Congress of the Philippines revised the
tenancy law.
President Manuel A. Roxas (1946-1948) enacted
the following laws:
● Republic Act No. 34 -- Established the
70-30 sharing arrangements and regulating
share-tenancy contracts.
● Republic Act No. 55 -- Provided for a more
effective safeguard against arbitrary
ejectment of tenants.
Elpidio R. Quirino (1948-1953) enacted the
following law:
Executive Order No. 355 issued on October 23,
1950 -- Replaced the National Land Settlement
Administration with Land Settlement
Development Corporation (LASEDECO) which
takes over the responsibilities of the Agricultural
Machinery Equipment Corporation and the Rice
and Corn Production Administration.
Ramon Magsaysay (1953-1957) enacted the
following laws:
● Republic Act No. 1160 of 1954 --
Abolished the LASEDECO and established
the National Resettlement and
Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) to
resettle dissidents and landless farmers. It
was particularly aimed at rebel returnees
providing home lots and farmlands in
Palawan and Mindanao.
● Republic Act No. 1199 (Agricultural
Tenancy Act of 1954) -- governed the
relationship between landowners and tenant
 farmers by organizing share-tenancy and
leasehold systems. The law provided the
security of tenure of tenants. It also created
the Court of Agrarian Relations.
● Republic Act No. 1400 (Land Reform Act
of 1955) -- Created the Land Tenure
Administration (LTA) which was responsible
for the acquisition and distribution of large
tenanted rice and corn lands over 200
hectares for individuals and 600 hectares
for corporations.
● Republic Act No. 821 (Creation of
Agricultural Credit Cooperative
Financing Administration) -- Provided
small farmers and share tenants loans with
low interest rates of six to eight percent.
President Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1961)
Continued the program of President Ramon
Magsaysay. No new legislation passed.
President Diosdado P. Macapagal (1961-1965)
enacted the following law:
Republic Act No. 3844 of August 8, 1963
(Agricultural Land Reform Code) -- Abolished
share tenancy, institutionalized leasehold, set
retention limit at 75 hectares, invested rights of
preemption and redemption for tenant farmers,
provided for an administrative machinery for
implementation, institutionalized a judicial system of
agrarian cases, incorporated extension, marketing
and supervised credit system of services of farmer
beneficiaries.
The RA was hailed as one that would emancipate
Filipino farmers from the bondage of tenancy.
President Ferdinand E. Marcos (1965-1986)
Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21, 1972
ushered in the Period of the New Society. Five days
after the proclamation of Martial Law, the entire
country was proclaimed a land reform area and
simultaneously the Agrarian Reform Program was
decreed.
President Marcos enacted the following laws:
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● Republic Act No. 6389, (Code of Agrarian
Reform) and RA No. 6390 of 1971 --
Created the Department of Agrarian Reform
and the Agrarian Reform Special Account
Fund. It strengthened the position of
farmers and expanded the scope of
agrarian reform.
● Presidential Decree No. 2, September 26,
1972 -- Declared the country under land
reform program. It enjoined all agencies and
offices of the government to extend full
cooperation and assistance to the DAR. It
also activated the Agrarian Reform
Coordinating Council.
● Presidential Decree No. 27, October 21,
1972 -- Restricted land reform scope to
tenanted rice and corn lands and set the
retention limit at 7 hectares.
President Corazon C. Aquino (1986-1992)
The Constitution ratified by the Filipino people
during the administration of President Corazon C.
Aquino provides under Section 21 under Article II
that “The State shall promote comprehensive rural
development and agrarian reform.”
On June 10, 1988, former President Corazon C.
Aquino signed into law Republic Act No. 6657 or
otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian
Reform Law (CARL). The law became effective on
June 15, 1988.
Subsequently, four Presidential issuances were
released in July 1987 after 48 nationwide
consultations before the actual law was enacted.
President Corazon C. Aquino enacted the following
laws:
● Executive Order No. 228, July 16, 1987 –
Declared full ownership to qualified
farmer-beneficiaries covered by PD 27. It
also determined the value of remaining
unvalued rice and corn lands subject to PD
27 and provided for the manner of payment
by the FBs and mode of compensation to
landowners.
 ● Executive Order No. 229, July 22, 1987 –
Provided mechanism for the implementation
of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program (CARP).
● Proclamation No. 131, July 22, 1987 –
Instituted the CARP as a major program of
the government. It provided for a special
fund known as the Agrarian Reform Fund
(ARF), with an initial amount of Php50
billion to cover the estimated cost of the
program from 1987-1992.
● Executive Order No. 129-A, July 26, 1987
– streamlined and expanded the power and
operations of the DAR.
● Republic Act No. 6657, June 10, 1988
(Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law) –
An act which became effective June 15,
1988 and instituted a comprehensive
agrarian reform program to promote social
justice and industrialization providing the
mechanism for its implementation and for
other purposes. This law is still the one
being implemented at present.
● Executive Order No. 405, June 14, 1990 –
Vested in the Land Bank of the Philippines
the responsibility to determine land
valuation and compensation for all lands
covered by CARP.
● Executive Order No. 407, June 14, 1990 –
Accelerated the acquisition and distribution
of agricultural lands, pasture lands,
fishponds, agro-forestry lands and other
lands of the public domain suitable for
agriculture.
President Fidel V. Ramos (1992-1998)
When President Fidel V. Ramos formally took over
in 1992, his administration came face to face with
publics who have lost confidence in the agrarian
reform program. His administration committed to
the vision “Fairer, faster and more meaningful
implementation of the Agrarian Reform Program.
President Fidel V. Ramos enacted the following
laws:
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● Republic Act No. 7881, 1995 – Amended
certain provisions of RA 6657 and
exempted fishponds and prawns from the
coverage of CARP.
● Republic Act No. 7905, 1995 –
Strengthened the implementation of the
CARP.
● Executive Order No. 363, 1997 – Limits
the type of lands that may be converted by
setting conditions under which limits the
type of lands that may be converted by
setting conditions under which specific
categories of agricultural land are either
absolutely non-negotiable for conversion or
highly restricted for conversion.
● Republic Act No. 8435, 1997 (Agriculture
and Fisheries Modernization Act AFMA)
– Plugged the legal loopholes in land use
conversion.
● Republic Act 8532, 1998 (Agrarian
Reform Fund Bill) – Provided an additional
Php50 billion for CARP and extended its
implementation for another 10 years.
President Joseph E. Estrada (1998-2000)
“ERAP PARA SA MAHIRAP’. This was the battle
cry that endeared President Joseph Estrada and
made him very popular during the 1998 presidential
election.
President Joseph E. Estrada initiated the
enactment of the following law:
Executive Order N0. 151, September 1999
(Farmer’s Trust Fund) – Allowed the voluntary
consolidation of small farm operations into medium
and large scale integrated enterprises that can
access long-term capital.
During his administration, President Estrada
launched the Magkabalikat Para sa Kaunlarang
Agraryo or MAGKASAKA. The DAR forged into
joint ventures with private investors into agrarian
sector to make FBs competitive.
However, the Estrada Administration was
short-lived. The masses who put him into office
demanded for his ouster.
President Gloria Macapacal-Arroyo (2000-2010)
The agrarian reform program under the Arroyo
administration is anchored on the vision “To make
the countryside economically viable for the Filipino
family by building partnership and promoting social
equity and new economic opportunities towards
lasting peace and sustainable rural development.”
Land Tenure Improvement - DAR will remain
vigorous in implementing land acquisition and
distribution components of CARP. The DAR will
improve the land tenure system through land
distribution and leasehold.
Provision of Support Services - CARP not only
involves the distribution of lands but also includes a
package of support services which includes: credit
assistance, extension services, irrigation facilities,
roads and bridges, marketing facilities and training
and technical support programs.
Infrastructure Projects - DAR will transform the
agrarian reform communities (ARCs), an area
focused and integrated delivery of support services,
into rural economic zones that will help in the
creation of job opportunities in the countryside.
KALAHI ARZone - The KALAHI Agrarian Reform
(KAR) Zones were also launched. These zones
consist of one or more municipalities with
concentration of ARC population to achieve greater
agro-productivity.
Agrarian Justice - To help clear the backlog of
agrarian cases, DAR will hire more paralegal
officers to support undermanned adjudicatory
boards and introduce a quota system to compel
adjudicators to work faster on agrarian reform
cases. DAR will respect the rights of both farmers
and landowners.
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President Benigno Aquino III (2010-2016)
President Benigno Aquino III vowed during his
2012 State of the Nation Address that he would
complete before the end of his term the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP),
the centerpiece program of the administration of his
mother, President Corazon Aquino.
The younger Aquino distributed their family-owned
Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac. Apart from the said farm
lots, he also promised to complete the distribution
of privately-owned lands of productive agricultural
estates in the country that have escaped the
coverage of the program.
Under his administration, the Agrarian Reform
Community Connectivity and Economic Support
Services (ARCCESS) project was created to
contribute to the overall goal of rural poverty
reduction especially in agrarian reform areas.
Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP)
provided credit support for crop production to newly
organized and existing agrarian reform
beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) and farmers’
organizations not qualified to avail themselves of
loans under the regular credit windows of banks.
The legal case monitoring system (LCMS), a
web-based legal system for recording and
monitoring various kinds of agrarian cases at the
provincial, regional and central offices of the DAR
to ensure faster resolution and close monitoring of
agrarian-related cases, was also launched.
Aside from these initiatives, Aquino also enacted
Executive Order No. 26, Series of 2011, to mandate
the Department of Agriculture-Department of
Environment and Natural Resources-Department of
Agrarian Reform Convergence Initiative to develop
a National Greening Program in cooperation with
other government agencies.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (2016 – present)

Under his leadership, the President wants to PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

pursue an “aggressive” land reform program that
would help alleviate the life of poor Filipino farmers
by prioritizing the provision of support services
alongside land distribution.

The President directed the DAR to launch the 2nd

phase of agrarian reform where landless farmers
would be awarded with undistributed lands under
the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CARP).

Duterte plans to place almost all public lands,

including military reserves, under agrarian reform.

The President also placed 400 hectares of

agricultural lands in Boracay under CARP.

Under his administration the DAR created an

anti-corruption task force to investigate and handle
reports on alleged anomalous activities by officials
and employees of the department.

The Department also pursues an “Oplan Zero

Backlog” in the resolution of cases in relation to
agrarian justice delivery of the agrarian reform
program to fast-track the implementation of CARP.
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_________________________________________
What is a Constitution?
- The basic principles and laws of a nation,
state, or social group that determine the powers
and duties of the government and guarantee
certain rights to the people in it.
The 1897 Constitution of Biak-na-Bato
President at the time: Emilio Aguinaldo
Authors: Isabelo Artacho and Felix Ferrer

• The Constitution of Biak-na-Bato was a

provisional constitution of the Philippine
Republic during the Philippine Revolution in
1897. It was inspired by Cuba and drafted in
Spanish by Isabelo Artacho and Felix Ferrer.
The key government organs outlined in this
constitution were the Supreme Council, the
Supreme Council of Grace and Justice, and the
Assembly of Representatives. However, this
constitution was never fully enforced due to a

6
 truce called the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, which
was signed between the Spanish and the
Philippine Revolutionary Army.
The 1899 Malolos Constitution
President at the time: Emilio Aguinaldo
Author: Felipe Calderon
• In 1899, the Malolos Constitution was crafted
by Filipino revolutionary leaders after their
return to the Philippines following a truce with
Spain. It drew inspiration from various sources,
including the Spanish Constitution of 1812 and
the charters of other nations like Belgium,
Mexico, Brazil, and the French Constitution of
1793. The constitution, with 39 articles divided
into 14 titles, aimed to establish a government
with similarities to these countries, taking into
account social, political, ethnological, and
governance conditions in the Philippines.
Multiple prior constitutional projects in the
Philippines also influenced the Malolos
Constitution.
The 1935 Constitution and the
Commonwealth Government
President at the time: Sergio Osmena, Manuel
Roxas
Authors: Claro M. Recto, Manuel Roxas, Conrado
Benitez, Jose P. Laurel
• In 1935, the Commonwealth Constitution
played a significant role in the Philippines' path
to independence. After the Treaty of Paris, the
Philippines was under U.S. control. Prior to this
constitution, two important acts were passed by
the U.S. Congress: the Philippine Organic Act
of 1902, which established a bicameral
legislature and provided rights for Filipinos, and
the Jones Law of 1916, which introduced a
Senate elected by Filipino voters and
expressed the U.S.'s intent to grant Philippine
independence.
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• In 1932, the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act promised
Filipino independence but was rejected by the
Philippine Senate. However, in 1934, the
Tydings-McDuffie Act allowed for the creation of
the 1935 Constitution, forming the
Commonwealth of the Philippines, serving as a
transitional government toward full
independence. The constitution was carefully
crafted to gain U.S. approval and fulfill the
promise of Philippine independence.
The Japanese Occupation and the
Second Philippine Republic (1943
Constitution)
President at the time: Jose P. Laurel
Authors: Jose P. Laurel, Teofilo Sison, Pedro Y.
Javier, Claro M. Recto, Jorge B. Vargas
The Commonwealth was briefly interrupted by the
events of World War II, with the Japanese
occupying the Philippines. A new constitution, the
1943 Constitution, was promulgated under the
auspices of Japan. As the war ended, the country
reverted to the 1935 Constitution. The Philippines
was declared an independent republic on July 4,
1946, and the Commonwealth Constitution
remained in effect.
The 1973 Constitution and the Marcos
Dictatorship
President at the time: Ferdinand Marcos
Author: Ferdinand Marcos
In 1973, the Philippines experienced a shift towards
constitutional authoritarianism under President
Ferdinand E. Marcos. This period was marked by
significant political changes:
• President Marcos, who came to power in 1965,
initiated a constitutional convention in 1970 to
change the 1935 Constitution.
• The convention's direction changed after Martial
 Law was declared in 1972 due to perceived
communist threats.
• A new constitution was proposed, introducing a
parliamentary-style government with a
unicameral National Assembly and a symbolic
president.
• The constitution was ratified in a controversial
manner through Citizen Assemblies in 1973.
• Multiple amendments followed, concentrating
power in the president's hands.
• The situation in the 1980s became increasingly
turbulent, with widespread discontent and the
assassination of opposition leader Benigno
Aquino Jr.
• The EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986,
with support from the United States, forced
President Marcos into exile, leading to Corazon
Aquino's presidency.
Overall, the 1973 Constitution ultimately
consolidated power in the hands of the president,
which resulted in significant political upheaval and
eventually led to a change in leadership.
The Freedom Constitution (1986)
President at the time: Corazon Aquino
Authors: Cecilia Munoz Palma – President of
Constitutional Commission
In the aftermath of President Corazon Aquino's
election, her government had three choices
regarding the constitution: revert to the 1935
constitution, retain the 1973 constitution with
the power to make reforms, or start from
scratch to distance itself from the previous
dictatorship. They opted to create a new
constitution that aimed to reflect the Filipino
people's aspirations. In March 1986, President
Aquino introduced a transitional constitution
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known as the Freedom Constitution,
maintaining some old provisions. Later, a
constitutional convention with 48 members
appointed by Aquino drafted a permanent
constitution, reestablishing the pre-1972 setup
while implementing new checks on presidential
power. This new constitution was officially
adopted on February 2, 1987.
The 1987 Constitution
President at the time: Corazon Aquino, Fidel V.
Ramos, Joseph Estrada, … Rodrigo Roa Duterte,
Bongbong Marcos
Authors: Cecilia Munoz Palma – President of
Constitutional Commission
● Efforts to amend or change the 1987
Constitution in the Philippines have seen
several attempts and methods over the
years. The Constitution allows for
amendments via Constituent Assembly,
Constitutional Convention, and People's
Initiative, all of which require majority
approval in a national referendum.
PREAMBLE
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the
aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and
humane society, and establish a Government
that shall embody our ideals and aspirations,
promote the common good, conserve and
develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves
and our posterity, the blessings of
independence and democracy under the rule of
law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom,
love, equality, and peace, do ordain and
promulgate this Constitution.
_____________________________________________
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 TAXATION
What is Taxation?
• It is the collection of the share of individual and
organizational income by a government under
the authority of the law.
• It is a means of government in increasing its
revenue under the authority of the law,
purposely used to promote welfare and
protection of its citizenry.
Concept of Tax
Taxation is the inherent power of the state to
impose and demand contribution upon persons,
properties, or rights for the purpose of generating
revenues for public purposes. The power of
taxation upon necessity is inherent in every
government or sovereignty.
Brief History of Philippine Taxation
The history of taxation in the Philippines dates back
to the Spanish colonial period when tribute and
cedula taxes were imposed. Over time, various
tax laws and reforms have been implemented to
adapt to changing economic conditions and
government priorities.
History of Tax in the Philippines
● To support the colony, several taxes and
monopolies were established. The buwis
(tribute), which could be paid in cash or
kind, with tobacco, chickens, produce, gold,
blankets, cotton, rice, or other products
depending on the region of the country.
● Also there was the bandala (from the
Tagalog word mandalâ, a round stack of rice
stalks to be threshed), an annual forced
sale and requisitioning of goods such as
rice.
Purposes and Significance of Tax
Primary purpose: generates funds or revenues
used to defray expenses incurred by the
government in promoting the general welfare of its
citizenry. Public expenditure
earners pay a higher percentage of their
income in taxes.
2. Value Added Tax (VAT): A consumption tax
levied on the sale of goods and services at
each stage of production or distribution,
typically at a rate of 12%.
3. Excise Tax: A tax imposed on specific
goods and services, such as alcohol,
tobacco, petroleum products, sugary drinks,
and automobiles.
4. Property Tax: This is a tax on the value of
real estate properties, such as land and
buildings. It is typically levied by local
governments and used to fund local
services like schools and infrastructure.
5. Estate Tax: Imposed on the transfer of the
net estate of a deceased person to their
heirs or beneficiaries.
Tax Reform Program
The Tax Reform Program in the Philippines aims to
improve the efficiency, equity, and simplicity of the
tax system. It includes measures to enhance tax
administration, broaden the tax base, and reduce
income tax rates for individuals and corporations.
TRAIN LAW
The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion
(TRAIN) Law is a comprehensive tax reform
legislation enacted in 2017. It introduced significant
changes to the Philippine tax system, such as lower
personal income tax rates, expanded VAT
coverage, higher excise taxes on certain goods,
and adjustments in estate and donor's taxes.
It's important to note that taxation is a complex
subject, and specific details and provisions of
Philippine taxation can vary. It is advisable to
consult official sources or seek professional advice
for accurate and up- to-date information regarding
taxation in the Philippines.
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Other purpose: to equitably contribute to the

wealth of the nation.

Kinds of Taxes
1. Income Tax: This is a tax on the income
earned by individuals and businesses. It is
usually progressive, meaning that higher

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 LOCAL AND ORAL HISTORY
What is Local History?
It is a study of the history of a particular community
or a smaller unit of geography.
Local history can serve as a balancer of these
tendencies by showing the peculiarities in certain
locales in a particular nation, region, or continent.
Studying local history can provide new and
alternative interpretations on the different aspects
of a nation's history. Local history also facilitates
historical narratives emanating from the people.
Local history is a smaller scope of study, historians
are often faced with challenges in locating sources
for local and specific objects of study. It is much
easier to study the life of national heroes than that
of a local hero. Historians innovate and recreate
local historical methodology.
WHY LOCAL HISTORY IS IMPORTANT?
The study of local history provides the foundation
and the substance of true national history.
It is more than the study of towns, provinces and
regions of the Philippines and the people who live
there.
It provides us with the documentation and analysis
of the broad processes which are important to the
life of the people. Local history enriches our
understanding of our national history.
Example:
HISTORY OF AKLAN
Aklan is the oldest province in the Philippines
organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo, as the
Minuro it Akean to include what is now Capiz. It
became an independent province when president
Magsaysay signed into law on April 25, 1956,
Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz.
Aklan was inaugurated as an independent province
on November 8, 1956.
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What is Oral History?
Oral history is the collection and study of historical
information about people, families, important
events, or everyday life using audiotapes,
videotapes, or transcriptions of planned interviews.
Oral history strives to obtain information from
different perspectives and most of these cannot be
found in written sources. Oral history also refers to
information gathered in this manner and to a written
work published or unpublished based on such data,
often preserved in archives and large libraries.
Recorded interviews with individuals deemed to
have an important story to tell. Conversations about
“the old days” among family members, neighbors,
or coworkers. Captured and printed stories that tell
first hand accounts about past times and present
experiences.
Example:
THE MYTHICAL ASWANG
Beyond stories of kings and miracles, mythical
creatures have also captured the imagination of
Aklanons. One such creature is the aswang. The
aswang takes on the form of a human during the
day and transforms into a monstrous form to prowl
the night for humans to eat. The aswang often
changes into an animal form, usually into a tiktik or
a big black bird with a long tongue. It also takes the
form of a pig, cat or black dog. Some aswangs can
transform to another form at will while others use a
concoction of foul oils prepared by albularyos or
local faith healers.
WHY ORAL HISTORY IS IMPORTANT?
Historical documents and books can’t tell us
everything about our past. Often concentrate on
famous people and big events, and tend to miss the
ordinary people living ordinary lives.
Neglect people on the fringes of society, e.g., the
poor, disabled, ethnic communities. Oral history fills
the gaps and gives voice to history that includes
everyone.
_________________________________________
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 MUSEUMS and HISTORICAL SHRINES
Museums
It is an institution dedicated to preserving and
interpreting the primary tangible evidence of
humankind and the environment.
The word museum has classical origins. In its
Greek form, mouseion, it meant “seat of the Muses”
and designated a philosophical institution or a place
of contemplation. Many early museums were
private, established by wealthy individuals,
and later made public.
The purpose of a museum is to protect and
conserve the different artifacts that represent
human history throughout the world, for the sake of
human knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment
of the beauty and wisdom of those of different
cultures.
Different Types of Museum
Anthropology and Ethnology Museum
History Museum
Cultural History Museum
Botanical and Zoological Museum
Technology Museum
Military History Museum
Natural History Museum
Fine Arts Museum
Applied Art Museum
Craft Museum
Science Museum
Children’s Museum
Numismatics Museum
Philately Museum
Archaeology Museum
National Museums of the Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines, located in
Manila, is the premier cultural institution of the
country, dedicated to the preservation and
promotion of the Philippines' rich cultural heritage
and natural history.
Museo de Intramuros
Museo de Intramuros, situated within the historic
walled city of Intramuros in Manila, Philippines, is a
cultural institution that provides visitors with an
immersive experience of the city's colonial past and
heritage. The museum houses a diverse collection
of artifacts, religious and historical art, and other
exhibits that offer a glimpse into the Spanish
colonial era.
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Historical Landmarks and UNESCO Sites
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization
Historical Shrines
- refer to historical sites or structures hallowed and
revered for their history or association as declared
by the National Historical Institute.
-Republic Act No. 10066 or "National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009"
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
(1995):
The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are
a 2,000-year-old living cultural landscape that
showcases the Ifugao community's sustainable rice
farming practices. These terraces, found in Luzon's
remote regions, are a unique blend of ecological,
agricultural, and ethnographic elements. They are
managed through ancestral traditions and are
maintained by the Ifugao people.
Miag-ao Church in Iloilo
The Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva stands
on the highest point of Miagao, its towers serving
as lookouts against Muslim raids. It is the finest
surviving example of ‘Fortress Baroque’. The
sumptuous façade epitomizes the Filipino
transfiguration of western decorative elements, with
the figure of Saint Christopher on the pediment
dressed in native clothes, carrying the Christ Child
on his back, and holding on to a coconut palm for
support. The entire riotously decorated façade is
flanked by massive tapering bell towers of unequal
heights.
Others: Historic Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Baroque
Churches of the Philippines , San Agustin Church
in Manila, Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, Santa
Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, Tubbataha Reefs
Natural Park, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Puerto
Princesa Subterranean River National Park,
Palawan, Magellan’s Cross in Cebu.
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 FIESTAS, FESTIVALS, RITES and
RITUALS
What is Fiesta?
is a Spanish word for a festival or party, typically
associated with Hispanic cultures and countries. It
often involves vibrant music, dancing, traditional
costumes, parades, and various culinary delights.
Is usually held to honor a specific religious or
cultural event, such as a patron saint’s day or a
historical event.
What is a Festival?
is a broader term that encompasses a wide range
of celebrations from different cultures around the
world. Festivals can be religious, cultural, or
seasonal in nature. They often feature music,
dance, food, art, and other forms of entertainment.
Festival can be held to celebrate specific events,
traditions, harvests, holidays, or simply to bring
communities together for enjoyment and unity.
1. Ati-atihan Festival
Celebrated in Kalibo, Aklan every January. It is a
vibrant and lively festival that depicts the
Philippines pre-colonial history.
2. Sinulog Festival
Held every January in Cebu City. One of the most
popular and colorful festivals in the Philippines. It is
a grand religious and cultural celebration honoring
the Santo Niño or the child Jesus.
3. Dinagyang Festival
Is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City.
Celebrated every fourth weekend of January.
Originated in the 1960s, it features street dancing
and a grand parade to attract both local and
international tourists.
4. Panagbenga Festival
Known as the “Flower Festival,” it takes place in
Baguio City every February. It showcases floats
adorned with flowers and street dancing. This
festival was created as a tribute to the city's flowers
and as a way to rise from the devastation of the
1990 Luzon earthquake.
5. Moriones Festival
Is a religious festival held in Marinduque during
holy week. The festival reenacts the story of
Longinus, a Roman soldier who pierced Jesus
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Christ’s side during the crucifixion. The participants,
known as “Moriones,” wear colorful masks and
costumes.
What is a rite?
A rite is a formal act or procedure that is part of a
religious or ceremonial practice. It can also refer to
a body of customary observances characteristic of
a church or a part of it, or a social custom, practice,
or conventional act.
Examples:
TULI is a Filipino rite of male circumcision. It has a
long historical tradition and is considered an
obligatory rite of passage for males.
PAGMAMANO
is an "honoring-gesture" used in Filipino culture
performed as a sign of respect to elders and as a
way of requesting a blessing from the elder. Similar
to hand-kissing, the person giving the greeting
bows towards the hand of the elder and presses
their forehead on the elder's hand.
Many rites of passage examples relate to
similar events in a person's life like birth,
puberty, adulthood, and death.
What is a ritual?
Is a sequence of actions or behaviors that are
repeated in a particular order.
It can be both formal and informal, and they are
often performed to symbolize or commemorate
something meaningful.
A ritual is a patterned, repetitive, and symbolic
enactment of a cultural belief or value. Rituals
usually work to enhance social cohesion, because
their primary purpose in most cases is to align the
belief system of the individual with that of the
group. The more a belief system is enacted through
ritual, the stronger it becomes; the less it is
enacted, the weaker it becomes. For this reason,
religious leaders often exhort their members to
participate regularly
Examples:
Religious rituals: Baptism, confirmation,
communion, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, marriage,
funeral.
Secular rituals: Graduation, wedding, birthday
party, holiday celebration, sporting event, harana.
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

References:

● https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitution
● https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/republic
● https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plebiscite
● https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/
● Candelaria, J.L. (2021). A Course Module for Readings in Philippine
History. REX Book Store
● https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/a-guide-to-taxation-in-the-philipp
ines/
● https://steemit.com/philippines/@lynrogan/the-history-of-aklan-my-ho
metown
● https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/983560
● https://www.loc.gov/collections/interviews-following-the-attack-on-pea
rl-harbor/about-this-collection/
● https://altavistadeboracay.com.ph/blog/aklan-myths-legends
● https://www.unesco.org/en/cultural-heritage-7-successes-unescos-pr
eservation-work
● https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/nais-manila/news/2020/07/20/w
hy-is-it-important-to-study-history
● http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Downloadable%20Files/Updated_RA_959
3_and_IRR_(as_of_01_Nov_2020).pdf
● https://www.dar.gov.ph/about-us/agrarian-reform-history/

Notes:

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